Knights linebacker named defensive player of the year

WASILLA — Colony’s 47-0 Division I quarterfinal over South Anchorage Oct. 5 pushed the Knights into the state semifinals for the first time since 2010. But it also extended a streak to 13 straight quarters without the Knights defense allowing a point.

A leader on Colony’s defense has been recognized by the conference. Senior Zane Vrvilo was named the Chugach Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Vrvilo, a standout at linebacker, helped lead a Knights defense that allowed only 66 points in conference play. Of that total, 59 came in a 59-40 loss to Bartlett, the Chugach Conference champion. Aside from the loss to the Golden Bears, Colony blanked Juneau and Chugiak, and allowed only seven points to Wasilla.

Linebacker John Kelsey, another leader on the Knights defense, was also named first-team all-conference.

Colony senior Julian McPhail was named Chugach Utility Player of the Year Award. McPhail is a standout on offense, defense and special teams for the Knights. He was named first-team at wide receiver, with 26 catches for 457 yards and four touchdown catches through the state quarterfinals. He has also rushed for a touchdown, and returned an interception and two kickoffs for touchdowns.

Colony senior Eric Christy was named first-team quarterback. Through the state quarterfinals, Christy totaled more than 1,500 yards of total offense. The senior signal caller has 752 yards rushing and eight touchdowns, and 841 yards passing and eight touchdowns entering the state semifinals.

Colony senior Noah Krozel was named the league’s top kicker. Krozel booted seven field goals. Offensive linemen Sam Germain and Ethan Connaker also earned first-team honors.

Senior Jordan Quenga led the Warriors with first-team honors at running back. Quenga led the Warriors with 858 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Tristan Wake was named the league’s top long snapper.

Malachi Siavalua (offensive tackle), Isaac Faraci (defensive line), Colton Lindquist (linebacker) and Anthony Matthews (defensive back) also earned first-team honors for the Warriors.

Contact Frontiersman editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

All-Chugach Conference

Offensive Player of the Year: Hunter Cargill, Bartlett

Defensive Player of the Year: Zane Vrvilo, Colony

Lineman of the Year: Thomas Sio, Bartlett

Utility Player of the Year: Julian McPhail

Coach of the Year: John Jessen and Daniel Esparza, Bartlett

Assistant Coach of the Year: John Lewis, Bartlett

First-team offense:

Quarterback — Eric Christy, Colony; Running back — Hunter Cargill, Bartlett; Elijah Lear, Bartlett; Jordan Quenga, Wasilla; Wide receiver — Julian McPhail, Colony; Max Wheat, Juneau; Tight end — Kristian Lauofo, Bartlett; Center — Thomas Sio, Bartlett; Guard — Ethan Connaker, Colony; Kevin Marshall, Chugiak; Tackle — Malachi Siavalua, Wasilla; Sam Germain, Colony.

First-team defense:

Defensive line — Leroy Manogiamanu, Bartlett; Puna Toutaiolepo, Juneau; Isaac Faraci, Wasilla; Linebacker — Kahn Mavaega, Bartlett; Tyler Huffer, Chugiak; Christian Beesing, Chugiak; John Kelsey, Colony; Zane Vrvilo, Colony; Colton Lindquist, Wasilla; Defensive back — Anthony Matthews, Wasilla; Jacob Oshesky, Chugiak; Hansel Hinckle, Juneau.

First-team special teams:

Kicker — Noah Krozel, Colony; Punter — Sitz, Chugiak; Kick returner — Julian McPhail, Colony; Long snapper — Tristan Wake, Wasilla.

Second-team offense:

Quarterback — Cooper Kriegmont, Juneau; Fullback — Austin Harr, Chugiak; Wide receiver — Kody Carlson, Chugiak; Center — Jonathan Miller, Wasilla; Marcos Yadao, Juneau; Guard — Josh Ellis, Bartlett; Tackle — Iolana Haines, Bartlett; Gunner Allen, Colony.

Second-team defense:

Defensive line — Bradley Amato, Colony; Wyatt Helton, Wasilla; Melvin Hickock, Chugiak; Linebacker — Herman Grey, Bartlett; Afafasi Luafau, Bartlett; Tristan Wake, Wasilla; Caleb Traxler, Juneau; John Aki, Colony; Kaiden Jimenez, Colony; Oscar Shields, Colony; Tyler Borschnack, Bartlett; Reginald Drummond, Wasilla; Jared Heaston, Chugiak; Defensive back — Montae Couse, Bartlett; Ridge Raval, Colony; Gavin Conant, Wasilla; Logan Mathieu, Chugiak; Luis Mojica, Juneau.

Honorable mention offense:

Quarterback — Michael Tosi, Bartlett; Byson Malave, Wasilla; Quentin Wilson, Chugiak; Running back — Jeremiah Wilson, Chugiak; Wide receiver — Hunter Sasser, Colony; Dominic Freeman, Colony; Kevin Andrew Bartlett; Guard — Brandon Kim, Colony; Alex Bayle, Colony; Joe Ruge, Wasilla; Kellen Gibbs, Wasilla; Tackle — Collin Caldwell, Chugiak.

Honorable mention defense:

Defensive line — Michael Telea, Bartlett; Romare Ulrich, Bartlett; Isaac Richardson, Colony; Torrin Girard, Chugiak; Jacob Ferster, Juneau; Carter Newell, Chugiak; Linebacker — Matuu Ah Sam, Bartlett; Colton Heckman, Bartlett; Trace Severson, Colony; Mathias Weiderspohn, Juneau; Dawson Hickock, Jueanu; Defensive back — Kahuna Patterson, Wasilla.

Honorable mention special teams:

Kicker — Waylin Delacruz, Wasilla; Richie Lehner, Juneau.